Welcome to John and Dianne’s trip blog. We hope you enjoy reading about our 2016 European trip. We leave Australia in late May, visiting Switzerland (Lauterbrunnen), Germany (Munich), the UK and Ireland.
We will be seeing the UK and Ireland courtesy of a 20 day Trafalgar tour.
The published itinerary is as follows:-
- LONDON – STONEHENGE – SALISBURY – PLYMOUTH (2 NIGHTS)
Leaving the sights of London behind, travel to rural Wiltshire and visit the mystical ancient monoliths at Stonehenge. Visit Salisbury Cathedral and see the Magna Carta which was signed in 1215 by King John and the barons of medieval England. Get to know your companions and Travel Director at a Welcome Reception, which includes a typical British pub meal and drinks. Later arrive in the historic naval port of Plymouth.
- CORNISH EXCURSION
Your orientation of Plymouth includes the Mayflower steps and see the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound. Cross the River Tamar and follow the Cornish peninsula to St. Ives, the renowned artists’ colony. Photograph St. Michael’s Mount near Penzance. Relax and enjoy the stunning Cornish scenery.
- PLYMOUTH – BATH – CARDIFF
On arrival in the city of Bath, admire the Georgian buildings and visit the Roman Baths after which the city is named. Spend some time exploring the city before making your way to the Welsh capital Cardiff.
- CARDIFF – WATERFORD
See the sights of Cardiff including the Millennium Centre and the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay. View historic Cardiff Castle and see the Millennium Stadium. Enjoy the scenic drive through Pembrokeshire and cross the Irish Sea to Rosslare. Dine tonight at your hotel in Waterford.
- WATERFORD – BLARNEY – KENMARE (2 NIGHTS)
Visit the renowned House of Waterford Crystal for a Cultural Insight demonstration. Watch the master craftsmen at work during your tour of the workshop. At Blarney Castle, kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the ‘gift of the gab’. Cross the Kerry Mountains to Kenmare, your home for the
- RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
Today we experience Ireland’s most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical and varied places in the whole of Ireland and is truly a photographers delight. We will also see Daniel O’Connell’s Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll’s Gap. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words.
- KENMARE – LIMERICK – CLIFFS OF MOHER – GALWAY
Drive through Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, en route to Limerick on the banks of the River Shannon. View King John’s Castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. Visit the
- GALWAY – DONEGAL – LETTERKENNY
This morning enjoy views of Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square. Later stop in Drumcliffe to see the grave of W.B. Yeats. See the fishing village of Mullaghmore, where Lord Mountbatten once lived. Visit Donegal and see the 15th century castle before heading to Letterkenny. Dine tonight at your hotel.
- LETTERKENNY – LONDONDERRY – GIANT’S CAUSEWAY – BELFAST
Cross the border to Londonderry in Northern Ireland. Walk along the 17th century city walls with your Local Specialist and see the street murals of the Bogside. Visit the Giant’s Causeway a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic natural wonders in all of Ireland. On arrival in Belfast, you will meet your Local Specialist ‘Cabbie’ who will take you on a journey through the recent history of the city in his Black Cab.
- BELFAST ORIENTATION – DUBLIN (2 NIGHTS)
After an orientation of Belfast, enjoy free time to explore the Titanic Quarter or shop in the bustling city centre. Later, head south to Dublin where you will see Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the stately Georgian squares with your Local Specialist. Tonight, perhaps consider an Optional Experience at an Irish Cabaret.
- DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
This morning enjoy your choice of sightseeing. You might want to explore the Guinness Brewery with entry before general admission and take a tour including a tasting technique demonstration. Or you can visit The Little Museum of Dublin, a true hidden gem of the city. Spend the rest of the day as you please. Why not explore Grafton Street famous for its street performers or consider joining an Optional Experience to the monastic site at Glendalough.
- DUBLIN – CHESTER – LIVERPOOL
Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to Chester. Your orientation walk here includes the Roman walls and the famous Tudor ‘Rows’. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into the life of the local Town Crier – an esteemed position which dates back to medieval times. Arrive later in historic Liverpool, hometown of the legendary Beatles.
- LIVERPOOL – QUARRY BANK MILL – LAKE DISTRICT
After a leisurely start, visit Quarry Bank Mill, a National Trust property that brings to life how communities lived together during the Industrial Revolution. Manchester and the surrounding area was involved with textile manufacturing during this period and today’s visit will give you a Cultural Insight into life during this important time in British history. Later make your way north to the idyllic Lake District. Travel along the shores of England’s largest lake, Windermere. View the grave of William Wordsworth, buried in the village of Grasmere. Dine tonight at your hotel.
- LAKE DISTRICT – GRETNA GREEN – GLASGOW
Cross the Scottish border and visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples would make their vows over the anvil. This afternoon, your orientation tour of Glasgow includes views of the Cathedral, magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry. This evening join your companions for a Regional Meal at a local restaurant.
- GLASGOW – GLENCOE – ISLE OF SKYE
Travel along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond towards the site of the 1692 massacre at Glencoe – ‘Glen of the Weeping’. Pass through Fort William and see Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. View Eilean Donan Castle before crossing onto the Isle of Skye. Dine tonight at your hotel.\
- ISLE OF SKYE – LOCH NESS – CULLODEN – SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Enjoy a scenic drive back to the mainland via Glen Shiel and along the banks of Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the elusive monster. View the site of the Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army was defeated in 1746. Dine tonight at your hotel.
- SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS – PITLOCHRY – ST. ANDREWS – EDINBURGH (2 NIGHTS)
Heading south, we stop in the picturesque village of Pitlochry before heading to the historic town of St. Andrews, the home of golf. Cross the Firth of Forth to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights.
- EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
This morning your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city. See the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and the new Scottish Parliament building. Tonight why not enjoy an optional night out including traditional song, dance and Scottish fare?
- EDINBURGH – ALNWICK – YORK
Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick. See the impressive castle and the Tenantry Column, topped by the Percy Lion. Marvel at the magnificent scenery en route to York where your walking orientation includes the Shambles and the awe-inspiring Minster. This evening enjoy a Be My Guest Farewell Dinner at a grand private home of a Yorkshire family with your fellow travellers.
- YORK – STRATFORD-UPON-AVON – LONDON
View Anne Hathaway’s picturesque thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Spend some time exploring the town before heading back to London this afternoon, where your amazing holiday comes to an end.
UK & Ireland 